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The Best Kickboxer In The World Just Delivered A Flying Knee KO In His UFC Debut

The Best Kickboxer In The World Just Delivered A Flying Knee KO In His UFC Debut

In the commentary box, Joe Rogan was raving about Pereira's​ striking – well, now we can see why.

Max Sherry

Max Sherry

Alex Pereira is a bad, bad man.

The Brazilian just knocked out Michailidis with a devastating flying knee in his UFC debut.

In just his fifth mixed martial arts fight, the former Glory Kickboxing champion made sure he left the octagon having made a lasting impression on those watching.

For the entire first round, Michailidis did his best to keep Pereira's deadly striking at bay.

At every chance he got, jiu-jitsu black belt Michailidis wrestled his opponent against the cage.

Like commentator Daniel Cormier pointed out, it was exactly the sort of tactic Michailidis needed to do in order to get a result - much to the frustration of the booing UFC fans watching inside Madison Square Garden.

But when the second round began, Pereira decided enough was enough and ended the bout almost instantly.

After a few exchanges, Michailidis looked to shoot for another takedown but Pereira anticipated it perfectly and countered with an acrobatic flying knee.

The sheer force of the patella hitting Michailidis' chin sent the Greek crashing to the canvas.

The referee didn't intervene straight away, but Pereira's ground and pound gave the official no option but to wave the fight off.

In the commentary box, Joe Rogan was raving about Pereira's striking - and now we can see why.

Just remember, this is the same bloke that handed Israel Adesanya his one and only knockout defeat during his decorated kickboxing career.

UFC middleweight champ Izzy laid the foundations for kickboxers transitioning into MMA, but it seems his old foe could be on a rapid trajectory which may see them cross paths again someday.

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Topics: kickboxing, UFC, Knockout, Australia, MMA, ufc 268